Funding transactions in a modular learning system

ABSTRACT

A modular learning system is provided for enabling funding of learners in the modular learning system. The modular learning system provides learning services to users by enabling learning users to access learning applications and select tutors and learning facilities to enable the user to perform the learning applications. A funding user provides funds to the modular learning system and provides parameters for selecting learning users for funding. The modular learning system identifies learning users who match the parameters and enable the learning users to receive funding for eligible learning applications. The modular learning system disperses funding after determining particular learning performance requests are eligible items for funding.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Stage of International ApplicationNo. 2012/US2012/054695, titled “Funding Transactions in a ModularLearning System” filed on 12 Sep. 2012 which claims the benefit ofIndian Provisional Specification No. 2598/MUM/2011, titled “ModularFunding Transactions in a Modular Learning System” filed on 13 Sep.2011, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE ART

The present invention relates generally to modular learning systems andmore particularly to systems and methods of managing modular fundingtransactions in a modular learning system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The current education environment includes members like students orlearners, teachers, tutors, coaches, guides, professors or lecturers,content authors, and organizational members like preschools, schools,colleges, universities, educational boards and professional standardsauthorities, admission testing authorities, placement organizations,recruiters, HR departments of organizations, educational content andmedia publishers and local, regional, and national governments. All theabove maintain some form of transactional and functional relationshipswith each other. Conventionally, learners in the current educationenvironment are funded for their learning, education, training ortuition expenses by their parents, school, college, university, a grantor an educational loan. Such funding amounts are usually very large,specific to the level of a tuition or admission fee for a particularprogram, degree or course, and are hence received after lengthydeliberation and analysis, especially by an institution like auniversity, granting authority or bank.

Learning systems, especially those offering the purchase and performanceof discrete microlearning experiences may find it difficult to managefunding activities for education related products and services purchasedby students in the traditional education environment, since they do notmanage purchases of education related products and services conducted bystudents in the traditional education environment. Further, somelearning systems, especially those offering the purchase and performanceof discrete microlearning experiences may wish to enable learning userson the learning system to receive funding for microlearning expensesconducted on their modular learning system.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a method and system for manning fundingtransactions in a modular learning system.

In an aspect, the invention provides a method for managing fundingtransactions in a modular learning system. Said method involvesreceiving a funding request from a funding user, displaying a fundingpreferences interface to the funding user, receiving the fundingpreferences from the funding user, determining the preferred subset oflearning users to be funded, receiving the fund expiry and transactionlimit preferences for each of the learning users from the funding user,processing the funding transaction, updating the balances of thelearning users and the funding user; and, further, receiving amicrolearning purchase request from any of the learning users,determining the compatibility to the funding preferences, processing thetransaction from the fund balance in some embodiments, processing thetransaction from account balance of the learning user in otherembodiments, and displaying the corresponding updated balances to thelearning user and the funding user.

In further aspect, the invention provides a system for managing fundingtransactions in a modular learning system. Said system comprises afunding items module, a language preferences module, a locationpreferences module, a learning user recommendation generator, a subjectpreferences module, a learning application preferences module, atransaction processor, a transaction limit manager, a fund expirymanager and a funding interface generator.

In final aspect the invention provides a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having tangibly embodied thereon a program ofinstructions executable by a processor for managing funding transactionsin a modular learning system. Whereby, said method comprises ofreceiving a funding request from a funding user, displaying a fundingpreferences interface to the funding user, receiving the fundingpreferences from the funding user, determining the preferred subset oflearning users to be funded, receiving the fund expiry and transactionlimit preferences for each of the learning users from the funding user,processing the funding transaction, updating the balances of thelearning users and the funding user; and, further, receiving amicrolearning purchase request from any of the learning users,determining the compatibility to the funding preferences, processing thetransaction from the fund balance in some embodiments, processing thetransaction from account balance of the learning user in otherembodiments, and displaying the corresponding updated balances to thelearning user and the funding user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which willbe more readily apparent from the detailed description, the appendedclaims, and the accompanying figures (or drawings). A brief introductionof the figures is below.

Figure (FIG. 1 is a modular learning environment including a modularlearning system 144 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a modular learning system according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a learning application according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a learning application according to analternative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a funding management module according toone embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for managing funding transactionsin a modular learning system environment 500 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates modules of an example machine 600 able to readinstructions from a machine-readable medium and execute them in aprocessor (or controller) according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to embodimentsby way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the followingdiscussion, alternative embodiments of the systems, methods, figures,diagrams and interfaces disclosed herein will be readily recognized asviable alternatives that may be employed without departing from theprinciples of what is claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted thatwherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used inthe figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figuresdepict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the systems,methods, figures, diagrams and interfaces illustrated herein may beemployed without departing from the principles described herein. In thefollowing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however toone skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details.

Configuration Overview

A system and method of funding learners in a modular learning system isprovided. A learning user in the learning system may want to obtaintutoring services from a particular tutoring user, learning contentapplications from another content application authoring user, learningtools, aids or materials from another learning tools or materialssupplying user, learning visits from another learning visits organizinguser, and may wish to seek placement or recruitment from anotherorganization, registered on the system as a recruiting user. A fundinguser on the modular learning system may be a parent, not-for-profitgrant authority, school, college, university, local, regional ornational government, or even a bank or other financial institutionproviding educational financing. A funding management module in themodular learning system 144 may comprise a plurality of modules andgenerators like a funding items module, a language preferences module, alocation preferences module, a learning user recommendation generator, asubject preferences module, a learning application preferences module, atransaction processor, a transaction limit manager, a fund expirymanager and a funding interface generator. A method for managing fundingtransactions in a modular learning system environment may comprise aplurality of steps like receiving a funding request from a funding user,displaying a funding preferences interface to the funding user,receiving the funding preferences from the funding user, determining thepreferred subset of learning users to be funded, receiving the fundexpiry and transaction limit preferences for each of the learning usersfrom the funding user, processing the funding transaction, updating thebalances of the learning users and the funding user; and, further,receiving a microlearning purchase request from any of the learningusers, determining the compatibility to the funding preferences,processing the transaction from the fund balance in some embodiments,processing the transaction from account balance of the learning user inother embodiments, and displaying the corresponding updated balances tothe learning user and the funding user.

FIG. (FIG.) 1 is a modular learning environment 100 including a modularlearning system 144 according to one embodiment. Modular learning system144 operates in modular learning environment 100 and communicates with aplurality of user devices 140 over a network 142. The user devices 140are operated by a plurality of kinds of users in the learningenvironment. The user devices 140 may comprise any of a variety ofcomputing devices, such as a desktop computer, a laptop, a mobiledevice, a tablet computer, a set-top box, a kiosk, interactivetelevision, gaming console, and other computing platforms suitable forcommunicating with modular learning system 144. The modular learningsystem 144 provides a system for managing curricula, learningfacilities, standardized tests, learning applications, tutors, and othermodules of a learning experience in micro increments of time and money.The modular learning system 144 enables the various users to communicatewith other users in a learning environment and provide services tolearning user 102. The network 142 includes a wireless area network, alocal area network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, anEnhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) network and the like. The userdevices 140 are connected to the modular learning system 144 via thenetwork 142.

Modular learning system 144 allows a learning user 102 to manage thepurchase and performance of each module of a single microlearningservice stack for a learning application (e.g., Breaststroke) or a groupof learning applications (e.g., Breaststroke, Freestyle, Butterfly andSwimming Safety). Tutor access, such as access to a swimming instructormay be purchased in various increments, such as in hours. Learningcontent applications such as a breaststroke application with attachedinstructional media and other data may be purchased in timed accessquantities or may be permanently purchased. Learning facility accesssuch as an Olympic Sized Swimming Pool may be purchased in increments ofhours or learning application performances such as ten laps. Learningtools or materials such as Swimming Goggles may be purchased as well.Each of these modules may be separately purchased and interacted withthrough an interface displayed on user device 140. In case of a learningperformance which can be completed on the user device 140 itself, thelearning application content is not only purchased and managed, but alsoperformed, through an interface displayed on the user device 140. Alearning user 102 may manage the purchase and performance of groups ofmicrolearning performances in the form of learning visits and learningworkshops, through an interface displayed on user device 140. Learninguser 102 may manage an individual learning identity (or learningprofile) and offer details of microlearning application performancescompleted by the learning user, as well as the personal learningmetrics, scores, and reviews. This learning identity may be provided torecruiting users for the purpose of placement.

The modular learning system 144 manages, regulates and supervises thepurchase, sale, preview, performance and review of a plurality ofmicrolearning applications, each comprised modularly of a tutoringservice, a learning application, learning facility access, and/orlearning tools or infrastructure access, a learning visit, and/or aworkshop as described in further detail below. The modular learningsystem 144 manages transactional and functional relationships betweenusers of the modular learning system 144. These various users interactwith the modular learning system 144 to modify learning applications andprovide learning service as described below.

The modular learning system 144 may enable various other users includingbut not limited to tutors, authors, tool/material suppliers learningapplication template developers, translators, certifying user, learningfacility administrators, learning event organizers, recruiters, andfunders to modularly manage at least one of micro tutoring servicesassociated with specific learning applications, microlearning contentapplications, microlearning application templates, translation ofmicrolearning content applications, certification of microlearningcontent applications, access to learning facilities, access to learningworkshops, organization of learning visits associated with specificlearning applications, supply of tools, aids and/or materials,recruitment services, as well as granular funding services.

The modular learning system 144 enables a tutoring user 112 to providemicro tutoring services to learning user 102. Tutoring user 112 aretypically individuals with credentials or other knowledge in the area oflearning applications. The tutoring user 112 may associate themselveswith particular pieces of content to and may indicate qualifications toteach each learning application, as is described further below. Themodular learning system 144 manages the sale of micro tutoring servicesand associated tutoring user 112 with specific learning applications tolearning user 102. Tutoring user 112 assist the learning user 102 withlearning the subject matter of the learning application. The tutoringuser may provide tutoring to the learning user 102 by meeting thelearning user 102 in person to assist the learning user 102 inperforming the learning application. As such, the modular learningsystem 144 facilitates the meeting and communication of tutors andlearners. Tutoring user 112 may also provide learning performance datato the modular learning system 144. The learning performance data mayindicate, for example, the level of the learner's mastery or proficiencythrough scoring or other metrics for reviewing performance at a learningperformance task. The tutoring user 112 provides input to the modularlearning system 144 using a plurality of learning applications throughan interface displayed on the tutoring user's 112 user device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning application authoringuser 104 to manage the drafting, editing, testing, publishing, sale andupdates of learning content in applications through an interfacedisplayed on user device 140. That is, the learning applicationauthoring user 104 authors individual pieces of learning content whichmay be purchased and used by a learning user. For example, a learningapplication authoring user 104 may create instructional content forlearning the backstroke. The instructional content may compriseinstructions and multimedia, as well as directions for the learning user102 to practice aspects of the backstroke in a suitable pool. Thelearning application authoring user 104 may use a pre-existingapplication template to create the learning application.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning application templatedeveloping user 110 to create learning templates for use in creatinglearning applications. The learning application templates provide aframework for creating various types of learning applications. Forexample, learning application templates may comprise a quiz, simulation,role play, experiment, multimedia material, and other types of learningframeworks. The learning application template developing user 110 maymanage the development, testing and sale of the learning applicationtemplates to learning application authoring users 104 through aninterface displayed on a user device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning applicationtranslating user 106 to manage the translation and translation updatesof learning content in applications and sale of such services tomicrolearning content application authors through an interface displayedon a user device 140. The translations are provided to the modularlearning system 144 and may be stored with the corresponding learningapplication to enable providing instructions to learning users 102 in avariety of languages.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning applicationcertifying user 108 to certify various learning applications accordingto standards applied by the certifying user 108. Such certifying usersmay include boards of education at various levels, universities,professional standards groups, and other certification authorities.Certifying users 108 may or may not be formal institutions. For example,a certifying user may include a company establishing a set of learningapplications to prepare a candidate for a job with the company. Thecertifying user 108 manages the certification of each learning contentapplication as a part of their respective curricula or syllabi andmanages the sale of such certification services to learning contentapplication authoring users, through an interface displayed on userdevice 140.

The learning facility 132 facilitates the performance of specificlearning applications available on the modular learning system 144.Learning facilities 132 may comprise any location suitable forperforming types of learning applications. For example, learningfacilities 132 may comprise an athletic club, a chemistry lab, a sciencelab, a university, a library, or a tutor's home. In some embodiments,the modular learning system 144 enables a facility administering user124 to determine the compatibility of various learning applicationswhich can be performed within learning facility 132 by picking thelearning infrastructure available in the learning facility andassociating the learning facility 132 with each learning application(e.g., Breaststroke) compatible with the learning infrastructure (e.g.,Olympic sized Swimming Pool). In one embodiment, rather than expresslyassociating the learning facility with individual learning applications,the learning facility administering user 124 indicates to the modularlearning system 144 the specific infrastructures and amenities availableat the learning facility 132. In this embodiment, the modular learningsystem 144 enables a learning user 102 or learning application authoringuser 104 to identify a learning facility 132 which is compatible withthe learning application based on the infrastructure available at thelearning facility 132. The modular learning system 144 may also identifycompatible learning facilities based on metadata associated with thelearning application and the infrastructure indicated by the learningfacility administering user 124.

The learning facilities 132 may comprise a variety of types of learningfacilities, such as an independent learning facility, institutionallearning facility, workplace learning facility, and temporary learningfacility. The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124of an independent learning facility owned, managed or franchised by themodular learning system 144 to manage the sale of learning facilityaccess for performances of specific microlearning applications as wellas sale of learning tools and materials (e.g., sulphuric acid orswimming goggles) or access to the same in micro increments of time andmoney ($six/hour or $five/learning application performance) depending onmultiple factors like the learning infrastructure to be accessed (e.g.,Swimming Pool, Computers, Chemistry Lab), number of hours of access, andthe like, through an interface displayed on a user device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124 of aninstitutional learning facility like a preschool, school, college oruniversity (e.g., Bangalore University) associated, partnered or linkedwith the modular learning system 144 to, in addition to managing thesale associated with the independent learning facility (e.g., learningfacility access for performances of specific microlearningapplications), manage the learning performances of a plurality oflearners (students or outsiders) across a plurality of learningapplications available on the system (with the learning user's explicitconsent), optionally delegated to a plurality of teachers, professors,lecturers or coaches registered as tutoring users 112 on the modularlearning system 144, through an interface displayed on a user device140.

The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124 of aworkspace learning facility associated, partnered or linked with themodular learning system 144 to, in addition to managing the saleassociated with the independent learning facility (e.g., learningfacility access for performances of specific microlearningapplications), manage the learning performances of a plurality oflearners (employees) across a plurality of learning applicationsavailable on the system (with the learning user's explicit consent),optionally delegated to a plurality of Human Resource Managers, Trainersand/or immediate superiors, registered as tutoring users 112 on themodular learning system, through an interface displayed on a user device140.

The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124 of atemporary learning facility (e.g., a Cricket Ground available for netpractice on Saturdays and Sundays from six in the morning to twelve atmidnight) to, in addition to managing the sale associated with theindependent learning facility (e.g., learning facility access forperformances of specific microlearning applications), manage the hoursof accessibility to the designated learning facility, through aninterface displayed on a user device 140. In addition to managing thesale and performance of microlearning applications, an administrator ofan independent, institutional, workspace, or temporary learning facilitymay manage the modular purchase of learning infrastructure (e.g.,chemistry equipment, computers, cricket stumps) as well as learningtools, aids and materials (e.g., sulphuric acid, swimming goggles,cricket bat) from the modular learning system or a third party, topicwise, subject wise, location wise or otherwise based on the learningapplications intended to be offered in the designated learning facility,through an interface displayed on a user device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning visit organizing user114 to manage the organization of learning visits, and the sale oflearning visits to learning users 102. The learning visit organizinguser 114 may also associate a learning visit with compatiblemicrolearning applications. Such learning visits may comprise, forexample, a visit to a factory or industrial area, a museum, or a trip toa city. The learning visit organizing user 114 may associate thelearning visit with learning applications and manage the learningperformances during the learning visits. The management of performancesof associated learning applications may be optionally provided bytutoring users 112. The learning visit organizing user 114 communicateswith the modular learning system 144 through an interface displayed on auser device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning workshop organizinguser 116 to manage the organization of workshops available to learningusers 102. A workshop comprises a plurality of specific microlearningapplications to be performed in the workshop, and a sequence of themicrolearning applications to be performed at the workshop. The workshopmay also specify learning tools, a designated learning facility, and atutoring user or tutoring users to perform the workshop. As such, theworkshop user organizes performance and modules of learning applicationsto be performed together with a group of learning users 102. Thelearning workshop organizing users 116 also manage the sale of suchmicrolearning workshop access and manage the learning performances for aplurality of learners. The learning workshop organizing userscommunicate with the modular learning system 144 through an interfacedisplayed on a user device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a learning tools supplying user118 to provide learning tools and materials such as chemicals, biologysamples, computer software, and other materials for use with learningapplications to learning users 102. The learning tools supplying user118 manages the organization and sale of the learning tools andmaterials (or optionally, access to the same) to learning users andadministrators of learning facilities 132. The learning tools supplyinguser 118 may also associate learning tools with particular learningapplications stored on modular learning system 144. Alternatively, thelearning tools supplying user 118 may designate the tools available andthe modular learning system 144 may determine which learningapplications may require the tools provided by the learning toolssupplying user 118. The learning tools supplying user communicates withthe modular learning system 144 through an interface displayed on a userdevice 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a recruiter 120 of learningusers 102 to manage the recruitment of learning users 102 through themodular learning system 144. The recruiter 120 may view and filterlearning users 102 by specific learning applications performed on thesystem, scores, metrics and reviews generated in relation to thelearning applications performed by learning users 102. The recruiter mayaccess and filter learning users 102 based on demographic data like thelanguage used in performing the learning application. Recruiting user120 may also operate as a certifying user 108 to certify particularlearning applications that may be desirable to the recruiting user 120.The recruiting user may use the certified application as a filter priorconsidering learning users for a position. The recruiting user 120manages recruiting access to the modular learning system 144 through aninterface displayed on a user device 140.

The modular learning system 144 enables a funding user 122 of learningusers 102 to provide funding and scholarship funds and other support tolearning users 102. Such funding users 122 may comprise a parent,sibling, friend, spouse, relative, university, employer, orscholarship/grant offering institution. The funds may be provided forthe funding of specific learning users or of specific learningapplications, or of specific microlearning goods and services associatedwith the specific learning applications, in small increments, through aninterface displayed on a user device 140.

Although the modular learning environment 100 is described as beingcomposed of various, user devices (e.g., personal computer), a network(e.g., internet, intranet, world wide web), learning facilities (e.g.,an Independent Learning Facility, an Institutional Learning Facility),it would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that fewer or morekinds of users (e.g., a Learning Application Fact Checking User, a WebBased Offsite Tutoring User), user devices (e.g., a mobile phone device,a portable gaming console device, a tablet device, a learning consoledevice, gaming console device or server device attached to a televisionor other screen), networks (e.g., an intranet at a preschool, school,college, university, educational board, professional standardsauthority, coaching/tuition class; a social or professional network; anintranet at a company, HR department, training department and at atraining organization) and learning facilities may comprise the modularlearning environment 100, with the present disclosure still fallingwithin the scope of various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a modular learning system 144 according toone embodiment. The modular learning system 144 includes a variety ofdatabases and modules for providing learning applications and learningservices to users of the modular learning system 144. The modularlearning system 144 maintains learning applications in a learningapplication database 204. The learning applications are sold to usersalong with microlearning services using the purchase management module238. Performance of learning applications is enabled by performancemanagement module 240. Additional modules of the modular learning system144 are described below.

A user database 202 is configured for receiving, storing, updating andretrieving a plurality of data fields of each user, such as the user'sname, address, and contact details. Depending on the user's role in themodular learning system 144, the user database 202 maintains additionalinformation on the user. For example, for a learning user 102, the userdatabase 202 maintains learning history outside the modular learningsystem 144, learning application performance history on the modularlearning system 144, purchase history of learning applications as wellas purchase history of a host of related microlearning purchase itemslike, for example, timed access to learning facility 132, timed accessto tutor 112, and purchase of access to a learning tool from learningtools database 232. In some embodiments, the data fields are used todetermine purchase compatibility using purchase management module 238and to determine performance compatibility using performance managementmodule 240.

The user database 202 may maintain information about each type of userbased on the user's role in the system. The user information may bestored in a plurality of databases, each database associated with a userrole, or the user roles may be stored in a single user database 202. Forexample, the additional user roles include learning applicationauthoring users, learning facility administering users, learning visitorganizing users, learning facility administering users, and other typesof users of the modular learning system 144.

In one embodiment, a distinct Learning User Database is configured forreceiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of identityitems of each learning user 102, comprising the learning user's name,address, contact details as well as learning related identity items likelearning history outside the modular learning system 144, learningapplication performance history on the modular learning system 144,purchase history of learning applications as well as purchase history ofa host of related microlearning purchase items like, for example, accessto learning facility 132, access to tutor 112, and purchase of access toa learning tool. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning ApplicationAuthoring User Database is configured for receiving, storing, updatingand retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learning applicationauthoring user, say, user 104. In one embodiment, a distinct IndependentLearning Facility Administering User Database is configured forreceiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fieldsof each independent learning facility administering user, say, user 124.In one embodiment, a distinct Learning Tools Supplying User Database isconfigured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a pluralityof data fields of each learning tools supplying user, say, user 118. Inone embodiment, a distinct Learning Visit Organizing User Database isconfigured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a pluralityof data fields of each learning visit organizing user 114. In oneembodiment, a distinct Learning Application Translating User Database isconfigured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a pluralityof data fields of each learning application translating user, say, user106. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning Application Certifying UserDatabase is configured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving aplurality of data fields of each learning application certifying user,say, user 108. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning ApplicationTemplate Developing User Database is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learningapplication template developing user, say, user 110. In one embodiment,a distinct Learning Workshop Organizing User Database is configured forreceiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fieldsof each learning workshop organizing user, say, user 116. In oneembodiment, a distinct Recruiting User Database is configured forreceiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fieldsof each recruiting user, say, recruiting user 120. In one embodiment, adistinct Funding User Database is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each funding user,say, funding user 122.

In one embodiment, a distinct Institutional Learning FacilityAdministering User Database is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each,institutional learning facility administering user, say, user 124. Inone embodiment, a distinct Workspace Learning Facility AdministeringUser Database is used to is configured for receiving, storing, updatingand retrieving a plurality of data fields of each workspace learningfacility administering user, say, user 124. In one embodiment, adistinct Temporary Learning Facility Administering User Database isconfigured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a pluralityof data fields of each temporary learning facility administering user,say, user 124. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning Facility Databaseis configured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving aplurality of data fields of a plurality of kinds of learning facilities,say, facility 132, as received from a plurality of kinds of learningfacility administering users, say, user 124. In one embodiment, adistinct Learning Visits Database is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learningvisit from the respective learning visit organizing user, say user 114.In some embodiments, the data fields of the databases in the aboveembodiments are used to determine purchase compatibility using purchasemanagement module 238 and to determine performance compatibility usingperformance management module 240.

The learning application database 204 is configured for receiving,storing, updating and retrieving all the learning application metadataof all learning applications whose purchase is managed through themodule 238. Optionally, all purchase related metadata of the learningapplication, like number of copies accessed per day, segmented bylocation, language, learning facility, user device, as well as otherlearning related purchase analytics metadata that may be generatedduring the purchase process may be received, stored, and updated by themicrolearning purchase management module in the learning applicationdatabase 204.

In one embodiment, the database 204 is configured for receiving,storing, updating and retrieving all the learning application metadataof all learning applications whose performance is managed through themodule 240. Optionally, all performance related metadata of the learningapplication, like number of copies performed per day, segmented bylocation, language, learning facility, user device, as well as otherlearning related performance analytics metadata that may be generatedduring the performance process may be received, stored, and updated bythe microlearning performance management module in the learningapplication database 204.

A subject database 206 is configured for receiving, storing, updatingand retrieving a plurality of data fields of each subject linked ortagged to each learning application 300 in Subject Metadata 312. Thesubject database 206 provides a categorization system for the learningapplications and enables learning application authoring users, like user104, to categorize learning applications as belonging to one or moresubjects by associating them with one or more subjects, such subjectsthen stored in subject metadata 312 of each authored learningapplication 300. The subject database 206 also allows users to searchfor learning applications according to particular subjects using thesubjects associated with the learning applications. For example, atutoring user 112 with a mathematics specialty may search the learningapplications using the subject database 206 to identify mathematicslearning applications for the tutor to associate his services with.

A tutor database 208 is configured for receiving, storing, updating andretrieving a plurality of data fields of each tutoring user, comprisingthe tutoring user's name, address, contact details, as well as learningrelated data fields like learning users to whom microlearning serviceshave or are being provided, performance data and performance review datafor the tutoring services, tutoring history outside the modular learningsystem 144, and remittance history. In some embodiments, the data fieldsare used to determine purchase compatibility using purchase managementmodule 238 and to determine performance compatibility using performancemanagement module 240.

A learning facility database 230 is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of a plurality ofkinds of learning facilities such as learning facility 132 as receivedfrom learning facility administering users 124. In some embodiments, thedata fields are used to determine purchase compatibility using purchasemanagement module 238 and to determine performance compatibility usingperformance management module 240.

A learning tools database 232 is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learning toolor material from each learning tools supplying user 118. In someembodiments, the data fields are used to determine purchasecompatibility using purchase management module 238 and to determineperformance compatibility using performance management module 240.

Each of these databases, such as the tutor database 208, facilitiesdatabase 230, and learning tools database 232, may also includeinformation relating to purchase and performance compatibility. Forexample, a tutor in the tutor database may specify the tutor is onlywilling to teach students aged thirty to forty, or a learning facilitymay indicate it is only willing to allow entry to learning users who area member of the facility.

A purchase management module 238 is configured for managing the purchaseof learning applications and associated application services as amicrolearning stack by the learning user 102.

A performance management module 240 is configured for managing theperformance of learning applications and associated application servicesas a microlearning stack by the learning user 102.

A funding management module 242 is configured for managing the fundingof learning applications and associated application services as amicrolearning stack by the learning user 102. The funding managementmodule 242 allows funding users to initiate funding for other users inthe modular learning system 144. The funding user is able to selectparticular learning users or learning applications eligible for fundingby the funding user. Alternatively, the funding user may designateparticular attributes of a learning user or learning applicationeligible to receive funds. Learning users may also access the fundingmanagement module 242 to identify available funds that may be used bythe learning user.

In one embodiment, the tutor database, learning facilities database,tools database and other application services databases form a singleconsolidated application services database in modular learning system144.

Although the modular learning system 144 is described as being composedof various modules like databases and modules, the modular learningsystem 144 may comprise fewer or more databases, modules, and othermodules. For example, the modular learning system 144 may include aLearning Application Genre Database, a Locational Learning FacilityPrice Range Database, a Learning Workshop Database, a MultilingualDictionary Database, a Concept Tags Database, a LearningObjectives/Outcomes Database, and a Micro tutoring Services Database,and a Skill and Ability Tags Database. The modular learning system 144may also include an Age Compatibility Module, a Learner Ranking Module,a Tutor Ranking Module, a Learner Billing Module, a Tutor RemittanceModule, a Profile Management Module, a User Roles Management Module, aLearning Tools Management Module, a Learning Facility Management Module,Metadata Management Module, a Notification Module, a Recruitment Module,a Funding Module, a Map Module, a Learning Application TemplateProgramming Interface Module, an Age Compatibility Module or aTranslation Interface Module, with the present disclosure still fallingwithin the scope of various embodiments. In some embodiments, anindividual or group may play a plurality of user roles on the modularlearning system, (e.g., tutoring user learning new applications as alearning user through another tutoring user, a learning applicationauthoring user translating the authored application or developing theapplication template), with the present disclosure still falling withinthe scope of various embodiments.

In various embodiments the modular learning system 144 may be any of aweb application, a mobile application, or an embedded module orsubsystem of a social networking environment, a learning contentmanagement system, a learning management system, a professionalnetworking environment, an electronic commerce system, an electronicpayments system, a mobile operating system, a computer based operatingsystem, or of a tablet based operating system, with the presentdisclosure still falling within the scope of various embodiments.

In one embodiment, a distinct roles management module is configured formanaging and authorizing different roles associated with the varioususers of the modular learning system 144 and in the respective userdatabases. For example, the roles management module may provide distinctfeature tabs and functionalities to each user based on the roleassociated with him or her. It can be noted that, the roles managementmodule may enable a user to have one or more roles for accessing themodular learning system 144. For example, a tutoring user can avail thefunctionality and interface tabs of a learning user and also of atranslating user if authorized by the modular learning system 144.

In one embodiment, a distinct metadata management module is configuredfor managing metadata associated with a plurality of specific learningapplications, like learning application 300. In one embodiment, themetadata management module is configured for receiving, storing,updating and retrieving various types of metadata associated with eachlearning application 300 in the learning application database 204. Inanother embodiment, the metadata management module is configured forreceiving and storing updated metadata of a specific learningapplication 300 in database 204 at regular intervals of time as updatedby different users in authorized user roles and retrieving the requiredmetadata when requested by the purchase management module 238 and theperformance management module 240 for determining compatibility andperformance compatibility of requested microlearning service stackrespectively. In yet another embodiment, the metadata management moduleenables various users of the modular learning platform to updatemetadata associated with specific learning applications in the learningapplication database according to their user role.

It is appreciated that, in some embodiments, various databases like 202,204, 206, 208, 230, and 232, modules 238, 240 and 242 as well as thedatabases, modules, components and engines of the above embodiments maybe stored in the form of machine readable instructions in the memory ofthe modular learning system 144 and executed by a processor of themodular learning system 144 to perform one or more embodiments disclosedherein. Alternatively, the various databases like 202, 204, 206, 208,230, and 232, modules 238, 240 and 242 as well as the databases,modules, components and engines of the above embodiments may beimplemented in the modular learning system in the form of an apparatusconfigured to perform one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a learning application 300, according toone embodiment. Each learning application 300 comprises a plurality ofkinds of application metadata in addition to the instructional contentand associated media for a particular topic or subject. Theinstructional content and media of each learning application 300 maycomprise a specific unit of instruction for a particular portion ofknowledge or a skill, and may vary widely in scope. The learningapplication 300 may be very narrow in scope, such as “treading water” ormay be broad in scope, such as “overview of world history”, depending onthe authoring process of learning application authoring user 104. Thelearning application 300 could indicate a theoria (to think, a theorybased application using primarily memory, reasoning, logic) performancetype or a praxis performance type (to do, a practical performance typeor a poeisis performance type). The learning application 300 maycomprise metadata indicating associated application services forpurchasing or performing the learning application 300 like tutormetadata 336, tools metadata 322 and learning facility metadata 316. Inone embodiment, the learning application 300 may be requested forpurchase or performance with associated application services as amicrolearning service stack, wherein the application services compriseof access to tutoring user 112, access to a learning tool from learningtools database 232 and access to a learning facility from facilitiesdatabase 230. For example, the media metadata 326 of a learningapplication 300 provided by learning application authoring user 104 mayspecify instructions for learning how to swim a breaststroke, but themedia metadata 326 does not typically specify individual pools i.e.learning facilities to perform the learning application or tutors tocoach and review the performance. Rather, the application servicesmetadata like tutor metadata 336, tools metadata 322 and learningfacility metadata 316 indicates tutors, tools, and facilities which thelearning user may choose to perform the learning application'sinstructions.

The Certification Metadata 302 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating certification history as well aslive certifications of the learning application 300, including, forexample, a certification from educational board 108 and anothereducational board in another state, present as a certifying user indatabase 202 or a distinct certifying user database. In someembodiments, the certification metadata is also used to determinepurchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module238 through learning application database 204 and to determineperformance compatibility in the microlearning performance managementmodule 240 through learning application database 204.

The Scoring Metrics Metadata 304 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating a plurality of metrics forquantitative and qualitative scoring as defined and updated for learningapplication 300 by learning application authoring user 104. In someembodiments, the quantitative scoring of each metric is conducted duringthe performance by a dedicated module within the learning application300 itself, while in other embodiments of a performance, especially anon-screen based praxis or poeisis performance, the quantitative andoptionally, qualitative score for each metric is received through a userdevice 140 from the learning user 102 and/or the tutoring user 112. Insome embodiments, the scoring metrics metadata is also used to determinepurchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module238 through learning application database 204 and to determineperformance compatibility in the microlearning performance managementmodule 240 through learning application database 204.

The Language Metadata 306 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating a plurality of translations of alluser viewable application metadata for learning application 300translated by, for example, learning application translating user 106into Bengali, comprising of media metadata 326 like instructional text,subtitles to audio and video instructions, and all other linguisticcontent for the preview, performance and review of learning application300 by learning user 102 and preview and review of the learningperformance by tutoring user 112. In some embodiments, metadata 306further comprises translations in at least one other language, ofperformance type metadata 308, duration metadata 310, subject links andtags metadata 312, age level metadata 314, learning facility metadata316 authoring metadata 318, sequence metadata 320, tool metadata 322,mode metadata 324, medium metadata 328 and job skill metadata 330. Insome embodiments, the language metadata is also used to determinepurchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module238 through learning application database 204 and to determineperformance compatibility in the microlearning performance managementmodule 240 through learning application database 204.

The Performance Type Metadata 308 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the performance type of the learningapplication 300. For example, the metadata 308 could indicate a theoria(to think, a theory based application using primarily memory, reasoning,logic, like a ‘Biomechanics of Swimming’ Pop Quiz) performance type or apraxis performance type (to do, a practical performance type like an‘eight hundred Freestyle Swim as per Olympic performance guidelines’ ora poeisis performance type (to make, a creation oriented performancetype like a ‘five minute Synchronized Swimming Choreography’), such thatthe learning user is already aware of the task or performance typebefore purchasing and performing the learning application 300. In someembodiments, the performance type metadata is also used to determinepurchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module238 through learning application database 204 and to determineperformance compatibility in the microlearning performance managementmodule 240 through learning application database 204.

The Duration Metadata 310 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the suggested duration of thelearning application 300. In some embodiments, the metadata 310indicates a fixed duration like, fifteen minutes, or thirty minutes, orone hour, while in other embodiments, the metadata indicates a variableduration with, optionally, a predetermined minimum or maximum durationdepending on the duration metadata set by the learning applicationauthoring user 104. In some embodiments, the duration metadata is alsoused to determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchasemanagement module 238 through learning application database 204 and todetermine performance compatibility in the microlearning performancemanagement module 240 through learning application database 204.

The Subject Metadata 312 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating a plurality of subject links andtags attached to the learning application 300 by the learning contentapplication authoring user from among the subject links and tags presentin the Subject Database 206. In some embodiments, the subject links andtags are attached to specific concepts or terms within the MediaMetadata 326. In some embodiments, the subject link/tag metadata is alsoused to determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchasemanagement module 238 through learning application database 204 and todetermine performance compatibility in the microlearning performancemanagement module 240 through learning application database 204.

The Age Level Metadata 314 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the suggested age level of thelearning user 102 for performance of the learning application 300. Insome embodiments, the age level is set as a minimum suggested age say,for example, ten plus by the learning application authoring user 104. Inother embodiments, a range of suggested learner ages is set by thelearning application authoring user 104. In some embodiments, the agelevel metadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in themicrolearning purchase management module 238 through learningapplication database 204 and to determine performance compatibility inthe microlearning performance management module 240 through learningapplication database 204.

The Learning Facility Metadata 316 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the suggested learninginfrastructure required in a learning facility for performance of thelearning application 300. In some embodiments, such learning facilitiesand infrastructure (e.g., Olympic Sized Swimming Pool) required for theperformance of the learning application (e.g., eight hundred metersFreestyle to Olympic Guidelines) is received and updated by the learningapplication authoring user 104 by picking the same from a learningfacility database 230 available on the modular learning system 144. Inother embodiments the metadata 316 is received and updated by theadministering user 124 of learning facility 132. In some embodiments,the learning facility metadata is also used to determine purchasecompatibility in the microlearning purchase management module 238through learning application database 204 and to determine performancecompatibility in the microlearning performance management module 240through learning application database 204.

The Authoring Metadata 318 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the authoring metadata received bythe learning application author 104, including for example the name,signature, contact details, intellectual property disclaimer and otherinformation of the user or user group. In some embodiments, the metadataalso includes metadata generated by the modular learning system 144during the authoring user's editing process, including the versionhistory, tracked changes and time stamps of edits and updates to thelearning content application. In some embodiments, the metadata may alsoinclude citations to other learning content applications or otherlearning content application authoring users made by the user 104.

The Sequence Metadata 320 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the suggested sequence ofperformance of the learning application 300 relative to another learningapplication. The sequence metadata may indicate if the learningapplication should be performed before, after, instead of, or withanother learning application by learning application authoring user 104.The user 104 may wish for any learning user, say 102 to perform anadvanced microbiology learning application 300 only after performing acorresponding beginner's microbiology learning application, irrespectiveof the learning user's age or quality of performance. In otherembodiments, wherein the learning application authoring user is not theauthor of the suggested beginner's application, the user 104 may input asequence suggesting to the learning user 102 to perform the learningapplication before or after a learning application authored by anotherlearning application authoring user. In some embodiments, the sequencemetadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in themicrolearning purchase management module 238 through learningapplication database 204 and to determine performance compatibility inthe microlearning performance management module 240 through learningapplication database 204.

The Tool Metadata 322 is configured for receiving, storing, retrieving,displaying and updating the compatible tools or learning materials tothe learning application 300. In some embodiments, the toolcompatibility is received from and updated by the learning applicationauthoring user 104 by accessing the tool database 232. In otherembodiments, the tool compatibility is received and updated by thelearning tools supplying user 118 by accessing the learning applicationdatabase 204. In still other embodiments, the tool compatibility may beupdated by the modular learning system 144. In some embodiments, thetool metadata is used to determine purchase compatibility in themicrolearning purchase management module 238 through learningapplication database 204 and to determine performance compatibility inthe microlearning performance management module 240 through learningapplication database 204. In some embodiments, wherein the learning toolis a peripheral input device which can be connected to the user device140 during the learning application performance (e.g., Electric Guitarattached to a user device 140 during an ‘Introduction to Hard Rock’learning application) the Tool Metadata includes the compatibility tothe user device 140. In other embodiments, wherein the learning materialis not material to the user device 140, (e.g., Sulphuric Acid during aChemistry Experiment) the Tool Metadata may not include any additionaluser device compatibility.

The Mode Metadata 324 is configured for receiving, storing, retrieving,displaying and updating the available modes of performance of thelearning application. In some embodiments, the mode metadata isdetermined by the modes chosen by the learning content applicationauthoring user from the learning application template chosen. In variousembodiments, the learning application may comprise an individual learnerperformance mode, a learner plus learner cooperative performance mode, alearner versus learner competitive performance mode, a learner plustutor cooperative performance mode, a learner versus tutor competitiveperformance mode, a limited plurality of learners (e.g., four learners)cooperative performance mode, a limited plurality of learners (e.g.,four learners) competitive performance mode, a tutor plus limitedplurality of learners (e.g., nine learners) cooperative performance mode(a typical classroom mode). Although the Mode Metadata is described asbeing composed of various available modes as chosen by the learningapplication authoring user, various other modes (e.g., a limitedplurality of learners vs. a limited plurality of learners competitiveperformance mode) may comprise the Mode Metadata 324 and still fallwithin the scope of various embodiments. In some embodiments, thevarious Media Metadata for the preview, performance and review screensfor each mode of the same learning application and the sequence of thesame (especially wherein the learning application 300 is performed bymultiple users from the same user device and, optionally, by viewing thesame display device) is received, stored, retrieved, displayed andupdated in the Media Metadata 326. In some embodiments, the modemetadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in themicrolearning purchase management module 238 through learningapplication database 204 and to determine performance compatibility inthe microlearning performance management module 240 through learningapplication database 204.

The Media Metadata 326 is configured for receiving, storing, retrieving,displaying and updating text, image, audio, video, animation, links andother interactive elements of the learning content application asreceived and updated by the learning application authoring user 104during the publishing and revision of the learning content application300. In other embodiments, the learning application Media Metadata maycomprise the theoria, praxis or poeisis task or, optionally, pluralityof tasks to be completed during the performance, their sequence, and,optionally, the learning outcomes and objectives of the same. In someembodiments, the media metadata is also used to determine purchasecompatibility in the microlearning purchase management module 238through learning application database 204 and to determine performancecompatibility in the microlearning performance management module 240through learning application database 204.

The Medium Metadata 328 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the medium of access to the learningapplication preview, review and performance screen during themicrolearning performance. For example, for a Beginner's Kathak Dancingmicrolearning Application, in addition to requiring a compatiblelearning facility and tutoring user, the learning application authoringuser 104 or, optionally, modular learning system 144 may require thepreview and review screen to be viewable only on a display deviceconnected to a learning console user device or the display device of acomputer device but not a mobile device screen to ensure an optimumlearning experience. In another case, for a Kathak Quiz microlearningapplication, the learning application authoring user 104 or, optionally,modular learning system 144 may require the performance screen, previewscreen and review screen to be viewable only on a mobile device screenbut not on a display device connected to a learning console user device,or the display device of a computer device. In some embodiments, themedium metadata may further comprise the compatibility to a plurality ofsoftware platforms and, optionally, runtime environments as determinedby the modular learning system 144. In some embodiments, the mediummetadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in themicrolearning purchase management module 238 through learningapplication database 204 and to determine performance compatibility inthe microlearning performance management module 240 through learningapplication database 204.

The Job Skill Metadata 330 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the skills and abilities tagged tothe learning application 300 by the learning application authoring user104, the recruiting user 120 or, optionally, the modular learning system144 from a skills and abilities database provided by the modularlearning system 144. In some embodiments, the metadata is used by arecruiting user 120 to post the completion of the learning application(optionally, in a controlled testing environment) or group ofapplications as a minimum requirement for a particular job role to aplurality of potentially employable learning users. In otherembodiments, the metadata is used by the recruiting user 120 to post therequirement of completion of the learning application 300 (optionally,in a controlled testing environment) or group of applications as aminimum requirement for a promotion to a higher post in a particularorganization, to a plurality of potentially employable learning users.In some embodiments, the job skill metadata is also used to determinepurchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module238 through learning application database 204 and to determineperformance compatibility in the microlearning performance managementmodule 240 through learning application database 204.

The Error Metadata 332 is configured for receiving, storing, retrieving,displaying and updating the potential errors which can be made by thelearning user 102 (e.g., ten potential errors in an auditingmicrolearning application), as determined by the learning applicationauthoring user 104. In some embodiments, wherein the learningapplication (e.g., a Karnataka History Quiz) is performed through aninput device on a user device 140 itself, the error metadata may besynchronized to each potential input point during the learningapplication 300 performed through the user device 140 by the learningapplication authoring user 104. In some embodiments, wherein thelearning application (e.g., a Karate kata) 300's error metadata isoutside the recordable boundaries of the user device 140, the potentialerrors may be entered with reference to each instructional step of theperformance by the learning application authoring user 104, such that atthe time of the performance, the tutoring user (or, in some modes, thelearning user 102 himself, another learning user, or the recruiting user120) may note errors in each observable step of the performance andconfirm the same on user device 140 to generate the score. In otherembodiments, wherein the error observed by the observing user (say,tutoring user 112) is not part of the potential errors in the ErrorMetadata 332 of the application 300, the tutoring user 112 may updatesuch errors to the Errors Metadata, or optionally, send the same to thelearning application authoring user 104, to be updated after review. Insome embodiments, the error metadata is also used to determine purchasecompatibility in the microlearning purchase management module 238through learning application database 204 and to determine performancecompatibility in the microlearning performance management module 240through learning application database 204.

The Template Metadata 334 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving, displaying and updating the default script, formatting andmedia modules of the learning application template used to author thelearning application 300. In some embodiments, wherein a particularsequence and format of the same has been chosen by the learning contentapplication authoring user from the options offered in the templatedeveloped by the learning application template developing user, thechosen setting may be a part of the Template Metadata 334. In variousembodiments, the learning application templates may comprise a quiz,role play, simulation, project, experiment, essay, recital, researchpaper, race, challenge, problem, game, question, exercise or problemset. In some embodiments, the templates may be for performancesconducted and supervised in front of a display device with an inputdevice connected to the user device 140, while in other embodiments thetemplates may be for previews, reviews and guidelines for performancesconducted without the input device, with the user device 140 merelyplaced next to the performance area or learning station (e.g., forPraxis Tasks in Dance Applications) as a reference point. Although theTemplate Metadata is described as being composed of various availabletemplates as developed by the learning application template authoringuser and chosen by the learning application authoring user, variousother templates (e.g., a Swimming Race Template, a Patent DraftingTemplate) may comprise the Template Metadata 334 and still fall withinthe scope of various embodiments. In some embodiments, the templatemetadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in themicrolearning purchase management module 238 through learningapplication database 204 and to determine performance compatibility inthe microlearning performance management module 240 through learningapplication database 204.

The Tutor Metadata 336 is configured for receiving, storing, retrieving,displaying and updating the compatibility of tutoring users to learningcontent application. In some embodiments, the tutoring usercompatibility is received from and updated by the tutoring user 112 byupdating the tutor database 208 (e.g., a Mathematics Tutoring User whosemedium of instruction is Mandarin updating compatibility to a pluralityof Mathematics microlearning applications available in Mandarin, in thetutor database 208). In other embodiments, the tutoring usercompatibility metadata is received from and updated by the tutoring user112 by accessing the learning application database 204. In still otherembodiments, the tutoring user compatibility metadata may be updated bythe modular learning system 144. In some embodiments, the Tutor Metadatais also used to determine purchase compatibility in the microlearningpurchase management module 238 through learning application database 204and to determine performance compatibility in the microlearningperformance management module 240 through learning application database204.

In various embodiments, the metadata of learning application 300 isconfigured for retrieving, displaying to and updating by a plurality ofkinds of users as may be applicable to the kind of metadata and the kindof user. Optionally, in addition to receiving and storing the metadata,the modular learning system 144 may update the learning applicationmetadata as and when generated in the system through a dynamic metadataupdate module or through a dedicated administering user. In someembodiments, the learning application authoring user 104 may furtherplay the role of the learning application template developing user. Insome embodiments, the modular learning system 144 may play the role ofthe learning application authoring user 104 and, optionally, the role ofthe learning application template developing user 110 to author andupdate the media and template metadata of the learning application 300.

In some embodiments, the microlearning purchase management module 238and microlearning performance management module 240 retrieve some or allof the above metadata associated with the learning application 300 froma learning application database 204 in a repository module of themodular learning system 144.

In some embodiments, the media metadata 326 of the learning applicationmay comprise an electronic textbook, an electronic journal, aninstructional video, or an instructional animation. In some embodimentseach learning application 300, may be a distinct mobile application,browser based web application, or a desktop application. In someembodiments, each learning application 300 may be an executable file, aprogram, add in, macro, plug-in, or other program of instructionsassociated with a plurality of application programming interfaces of themodular learning system 144.

Although the learning application 300 is described as comprising variousmetadata and associated data fields stored and updated in learningapplication database 204, fewer or more metadata and associated datafields (e.g., Application Programming Interface Metadata, Organizationversus Organization Social Learning Mode Metadata, University versusUniversity Social Learning Mode Metadata, Testing Metadata, LearningVisits Metadata, Learning Workshops Metadata, Tutorials Metadata) maycomprise the Learning Application 300 and associated learningapplication database 204, with the present disclosure still fallingwithin the scope of various embodiments. In some embodiments, eachversion of the same learning application 300 with different metadata,for example language metadata, is treated as a distinct learningapplication in learning application database 204.

In some embodiments, an authorization to update certification metadata302 of a learning application 300 is limited to a predeterminedplurality of certifying users like user 108 and recruiting users likeuser 120. In some embodiments, an authorization to update scoringmetrics metadata 304, performance type metadata 308, age level metadata314, authoring metadata 318, mode metadata 324, media metadata 326,medium metadata 328, and error metadata 332 of a learning application300 is limited to a predetermined plurality of learning applicationauthoring users like user 104. In some embodiments, an authorization toupdate language metadata 306 of a learning application 300 is limited toa predetermined plurality of learning application translating users 106.In some embodiments, an authorization to update duration metadata 310 ofa learning application 300 is limited to a predetermined plurality oflearning application authoring users like user 104 and learningapplication template developing users like user 110. In someembodiments, an authorization to update subject link/tag metadata 312 ofa learning application 300 is limited to a predetermined plurality ofusers in any user role. In various embodiments, such authorizations maybe set by an administrator of system 144 based on the user role, userprofile information and user preferences information of thecorresponding users.

In some embodiments, an authorization to update learning facilitymetadata 316 of a learning application 300 with associated learningfacilities is limited to a predetermined plurality of learning facilityadministering users like user 124. In some embodiments, an authorizationto update sequence metadata 320 of a learning application 300 is limitedto a predetermined plurality of learning application authoring userslike user 104 and tutoring users like user 112. In some embodiments, anauthorization to update tool metadata 322 of a learning application 300with associated learning tools is limited to a predetermined pluralityof tool supplying users like user 118. In some embodiments, anauthorization to update job skill metadata 330 of a learning application300 is limited to a predetermined plurality of recruiting users likeuser 120. In some embodiments, an authorization to update templatemetadata 334 of a learning application 300 is limited to a predeterminedplurality of learning application authoring users like user 104 and apredetermined plurality of template developing users like user 110. Insome embodiments, an authorization to update tutor metadata 336 of alearning application 300 with associated tutoring services is limited toa predetermined plurality of tutoring users like user 112. In someembodiments, an authorization to update an optional learning eventmetadata of a learning application 300 with associated learningworkshops, visits and other learning events is limited to apredetermined plurality of learning workshop organizing users like user116 and learning visit organizing users like user 114. In someembodiments, the associations of application services to learningapplications are enabled automatically by a metadata association modulein the system 144. In some embodiments, each learning application 300 isassociated with a subset of learning facilities in a learning facilitiesdatabase 230. In some embodiments, each learning application 300 isfurther associated with a subset of learning stations of each associatedlearning facility. In some embodiments, each learning application isassociated with a subset of tutors in a tutor database 208. In someembodiments, each learning application is associated with a subset oftools in a learning tools database 232.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a learning application 340 according toanother example embodiment. The learning application 340 is illustratedto depict metadata of the learning application related to amicrolearning service stack. The learning application 340 alsoillustrates some other performance data used during its performance by alearner. This microlearning service stack may be requested for purchaseor performance by learning user 102. In this embodiment, themicrolearning service stack includes a learning application 340, a timebased tutoring service by a particular tutor in database 208, time basedaccess to a particular learning facility from database 230, and accessto a particular tool from database 232. The particular services abovemay or may not be associated with the corresponding tutor metadata,facilities metadata, and tool metadata of learning application 340 atthe time of a request. The learning application 340 includes contentdata 342 which designates particular content media and contentattributes of the learning application 340. The learning applicationalso includes other metadata as described above, such as tutor metadata336, learning facility metadata 316, learning tool metadata 322,performance type metadata 308, and scoring metrics metadata 304. Assuch, the learning application 340 illustrates some aspects of thelearning application used for purchase or performance of the learningapplication 340 by a learner as part of a microlearning service stack,such as content, tutors, facilities, and tools. The learning application340 may also include any other metadata as described above withreference to FIG. 3A. Any other metadata as described above withreference to FIG. 3A may also be part of the content data 342 of thelearning application 340.

The lifecycle of a learning application 300 is now described accordingto one embodiment. Initially, a learning application template developinguser 110 creates a learning application template stored in a distincttemplate database in a modular learning system 144. Next, the learningapplication authoring user 104 publishes learning application contentstored as media metadata of the learning application 300. In case atemplate has been chosen for the application 300, the template metadatais stored as well. The tutor metadata, learning facility metadata,learning tool metadata and other optional application services metadataindicating tutoring services, learning facilities, learning tools, andother application service types associated with the learning application300 are dynamically updated by the corresponding tutoring users,learning facility administrators, tool suppliers and other applicationservice providers. At this point, the learning user may modularly selectapplication services in a microlearning stack to purchase or perform thelearning application. Next, the learning user 102 selects the learningapplication 300 and identifies application services requested forpurchase or performance as a consolidated stack. The approval of thepurchase or performance request for learning application 300 andparticular application services in the microlearning service stack maybe determined by the specific metadata of the learning application 300being associated with corresponding application services, and otherspecific metadata of the learning application being compatible with theprofile information and preferences of the learning user.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a funding management module 242. Thefunding items database 402 is configured for generating, storing,retrieving and updating a plurality of funding items for each uniquefunding transaction conducted by one or a plurality of funding users onthe modular learning system 144. In various embodiments, each uniquefunding item is updated at various times before, during and after thefunding transaction in a plurality of data fields based on the languagepreferences, location preferences, topic preferences and learningapplication preferences as well as transaction limit and fund expirypreferences of each unique funding item. In some embodiments, a uniquefunding item is generated by the funding items module 402 for eachfunding transaction with each learning user 102.

The language preferences module 404 is configured for receiving,storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of language preference itemchoices displayed with corresponding language preference input areas tobe chosen by funding user 122 to determine the preferred learning usersto be funded when the users to be funded have not been predetermined byfunding user 122 (e.g., a funding user in Spain may wish to fund aplurality of learning users whose preferred medium of instruction isSpanish). The preference items in language preferences module 404 areaccessed by generator 408 to determine preferred or recommended learningusers for funding by the funding user 122, and the generator 408 maycorrelate the preference items against the corresponding identity itemsof the learning users in user database 202 to determine the recommendedlearning users for display to funding user 122.

The location preferences module 406 is configured for receiving,storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of location preference itemchoices displayed with corresponding location preference input areas tobe chosen by funding user 122 to determine the preferred learning usersto be funded in case the users have not been predetermined by fundinguser 122. For example, a funding user in South Africa may wish to fund aplurality of learning users whose nationality is South African and thefunding user can set the location preferences for the funding itemsaccordingly. The preference items in module 406 are accessed by learninguser recommendation generator 408 to determine recommended learningusers for funding by the funding user 122, and the generator 408 maycompare the preference items against the corresponding identity items ofthe learning users in database 202 to determine recommended learningusers for display to funding user 122.

The learning user recommendation generator 408 is configured forreceiving funding preferences from among funding preference item choiceschosen by the funding user 122 from language preferences database 404,location preferences module 406, subject preferences module 410 andlearning application preferences module 412. The learning userrecommendation generator 408 accesses the plurality of identity items ofeach learning user in learning user database 202 and determinesrecommended learning users for funding based on the funding preferencesreceived from the funding user 122. In some embodiments, the learninguser recommendation generator 408 may further access the performanceprivacy preferences of each preferred learning user to determine if theperformance items of the learning user can be made accessible toparticular funding users 122 or to all funding users 122.

The subject preferences module 410 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving and updating a plurality of subject preference item choicesdisplayed with corresponding subject preference input areas to be chosenby funding user 122 to determine the preferred learning users to befunded in case the users have not been predetermined by funding user122. For example, a funding user like the Government of Maharashtra maywish to fund mathematics subject learning applications to improvemathematics scores of learning users in the state. The preference itemsin subject preferences module 410 are accessed by learning userrecommendation generator 408 to determine recommended learning users forfunding by the funding user 122, and the learning user recommendationgenerator 408 may correlate the preference items against thecorresponding identity items of the learning users in user database 202to determine the preferred or recommended learning users for display tofunding user 122.

The learning application preferences module 412 is configured forreceiving, storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of learningapplication preference items chosen by funding user 122 to determine thepreferred learning users and learning applications to be funded in casethe users have not been predetermined by funding user 122 (e.g., afunding user like the International Cricket Council may wish to fund aplurality of learning users in one hundred preferred praxis cricketlearning applications). In some embodiments, the funding user 122 mayfurther choose a plurality of kinds of learning application preferencesbased on a plurality of kinds of metadata of the plurality of learningapplications published on the modular learning system 144 and stored ina learning application database and a learning application metadatamodule of system 144 (e.g., a funding user may prefer to fund aplurality of learning users for a subset of the plurality of learningapplications in the learning applications database, whose Age LevelMetadata indicates that the learning applications are appropriate forlearning users above the age of seven and Subject Metadata indicatesthat the learning applications are biology applications). The preferenceitems in learning application preferences module 412 are accessed bylearning users recommendation generator 408 to determine preferred orrecommended learning users for funding by the funding user 122, and thegenerator 408 may correlate the preference items against thecorresponding identity items of the learning users in database 202 todetermine the recommended learning users for display to funding user122.

The transaction processor 414 is configured for processing fundingtransactions between funding users 122 and learning users 102. Thetransaction processor further updates the account balance data field ofthe funding user 122 in a funding user database (not shown in thefigures) and the fund balance item of the learning user or plurality oflearning users in the learning user database 202.

The transaction limit manager 416 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving and updating a plurality of transaction limit preferences foreach funding item in funding items module 402. The transaction limitmanager 416 may be further accessed by funding items module 402 toretrieve and update the transaction limit preferences for each fundingitem during a microlearning purchase request from a funded learning useror, optionally, at predetermined intervals of time.

The fund expiry manager 418 is configured for receiving, storing,retrieving and updating a plurality of fund expiry preferences for eachfunding item in module 402. The transaction limit manager 416 may befurther accessed by funding items module 402 to retrieve and update thefund expiry preferences for each funding item during a microlearningpurchase request from a funded learning user or, optionally, atpredetermined intervals of time.

The funding interface generator 420 is configured for generating aplurality of funding management interface items and corresponding inputareas to be chosen or filled in by each funding user 122 during themanagement of one or a plurality of microlearning funds for one or aplurality of learning users present in database 202 on the modularlearning system 144. In various embodiments, the funding interfacegenerator 420 may access a plurality of data items from a plurality ofother modules and, optionally, managers, in the funding managementmodule 242, and generate the corresponding interface items for displayto the funding user 122 through a funding management interface. Thegenerator 420 displays the interface items through a funding managementinterface to each funding user 122 on the user 122's user device 140.

Although the funding management module is described as being composed ofvarious modules, fewer or more modules (e.g., Learning ApplicationMetadata Preferences Module, Funding User Database Module) couldcomprise the module, with the present invention still falling within thescope of various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 of a method for managing fundingtransactions in a modular learning system environment according to oneembodiment. At step 502, the funding management module 242 receives afunding request from a funding user 122, in the modular learning system144 through an interface generated by funding interface generator 420and displayed on funding user 122's user device 140. At step 504, thefunding management module 242 determines whether the funding user 128has predetermined specific learning users to receive funding. When thelearning user 102 or a plurality of learning users requested to befunded is predetermined, the funding management module 242 directlyproceeds to receive fund expiry and transaction limit preferences forlearning user 102 or a plurality of learning users through a fundingpreferences interface and corresponding input areas generated bygenerator 420 and displayed to user 122 on the user's user device 140.

At step 506, when the learning user 102 or a plurality of learning usersdesignated for funding are not predetermined by funding user 122, thefunding management module 242 proceeds to display a funding preferencesinterface with interface items for language preferences, locationpreferences, subject preferences and other constraint preferences alongwith corresponding input areas to be chosen or filled in by funding user122. The interface and corresponding interface items and input areasgenerated by generator 420 and displayed to the funding user 122 on thefunding user 122's user device 140.

At step 508, the learning user recommendation generator 408 receivesfunding preferences from among funding preference item choices accessedby funding interface generator 420 in the previous step from languagepreferences module 404, location preferences module 406, subjectpreferences module 410 and learning application preferences module 412and displayed to funding user 122 with corresponding input areas in theprevious step.

At step 510, the learning user recommendation generator 408 accesses theplurality of identity items or identity information of each learninguser in learning user database 202 and determines the recommendedlearning users to be funded based on the funding preferences receivedfrom the funding user 122. The funding interface generator 420 displaysa plurality of accessible identity items of the preferred learning userswith corresponding fund expiry and transaction limit input areas to bechosen or filled in for each of the learning users (or individualsubsets of learning users) chosen to be funded by the funding user 122.In some embodiments, the generator 408 may further access theperformance privacy preferences of each preferred learning user todetermine if the performance items of the learning user can be madeaccessible to the funding user 122 or, optionally, the entire pluralityof funding users on modular learning system 144. In an embodiment, theprivacy information anonymizes learning user information. Inembodiments, wherein one, some or all of the preferred learning userswhose identity items are displayed by generator 420 have authorized thefunding user 122 or, optionally, all funding users on the modularlearning system 144 to view the performance items of each learningapplication performance conducted by the users on or through system 144.The interface generator 420 is authorized to further access theperformance information of the learning user or a plurality of learningusers from learning user database 202 and, optionally, from themicrolearning performance management module 240 and display the same tofunding user 122 along with the other identity items and input areas ofthe learning user or plurality of learning users, on funding user 122'suser device 140. In one embodiment, the funding user may indicatepreferred performance levels for funding learning users. The learninguser recommendation generator 408 may provide learning users that haveperformed in the specified performance levels to the funding userwithout exposing the actual performance scores to the funding user. Inan embodiment, the step 510 of selecting the learning user for fundingcomprises providing a description of a set of learning users whoseidentity information is described by the funding preferences to thefunding user via the user device and receiving a selection of learninguser by the funding user.

At step 512, the fund expiry manager 418 receives the preferred date ofexpiry of the funded amount for each learning user being funded. Thestep further comprises of receiving fund spending limits by thetransaction limit manager 416, for one or a plurality of microlearningpurchase transactions authorized to be conducted by each learning userthrough the microlearning purchase management module 238. In someembodiments, the fund spending limit may be further set for one or aplurality of predetermined intervals of time, to authorize each learninguser to use a preferred limited amount from the total funded amount ineach such predetermined or preferred interval of time (e.g., $10 only inJanuary, $15 in February and March, $20 in April, May and June with thelearning user's fund expiring on 30^(th) June of that year). In otherembodiments, the transaction limit may be the entire funded amount withthe corresponding transaction limit item simply indicating that noamount greater than the entire funded amount may be used from thefunding user 122's fund balance by the learning user from the date offunding until the date of fund expiry.

At step 514, the transaction processor 414 processes the fundingtransaction and remits the net amount to the learning user. When aplurality of learning users are funded at the same time, the transactionprocessor 414 processes a plurality of funding transactions and remitsthe net amount to each learning user.

At step 516, the transaction processor 414 further updates the fundingitem for each funding transaction in module 402 and updates the accountbalance of each learning user and of the funding user 122 in thecorresponding account balance data fields of each funded learning userin user database 202 and the funding user 122 in a funding user databasein the funding management module 242 of the modular learning system 144.

At step 518, before the fund expiry date for a funded learning user 102,the microlearning purchase management module 238 receives amicrolearning purchase request (and/or microlearning service requestfrom learning user) from the learning user 102 for a learningapplication, application service or learning event for sale on modularlearning system 144. At step 520, the microlearning purchase managementmodule 238 provides a request to the funding management module 242 foraccess to the funding items module 402 to determine compatibility of thepurchase request to the funding preferences of the microlearning fund.

At step 522, the microlearning purchase management module 238 accessesthe funding preference data fields of the unique funding item of thelearning user 102 in funding items module 402 to determine compatibilityof the purchase request to the funding preferences chosen by fundinguser 122 for the learning user 102's microlearning fund.

At step 524, when the microlearning purchase management module 238determines that the microlearning purchase request is compatible withthe funding items or, when a plurality of funding users for the samelearning users, compatible with one of the plurality of funding items ofthe learning user 102 in module 402, the microlearning purchasemanagement module 238 processes the transaction from the available fundbalance of the learning user. When a plurality of funds andcorresponding funding users are compatible with the learning user'spurchase request, the module 238 may receive the preferred fund fromwhich to process the transaction through an input from the learning userthrough an interface generated by a generator and displayed on learninguser 102's user device. The microlearning purchase management module 238accesses the funding preference data fields of the unique funding itemof the learning user 102 in funding items module 402 to determinecompatibility of the purchase request to the funding preferences chosenby funding user 122 for the learning user 102's microlearning fundduring the purchase process.

At step 526, when the purchase request is not compatible with thefunding item, or, optionally a plurality of funding items of thelearning user 102 or, in embodiments, wherein a compatible fund hasexpired prior to the purchase request, or in embodiments, wherein thepurchase request exceeds the one time or time interval transaction limitof a compatible fund, the microlearning purchase management module 238processes the microlearning purchase transaction from the accountbalance of the learning user 102. In embodiments, wherein thetransaction is a post-paid transaction, the microlearning purchasemanagement module 238, and, optionally, a learner billing module addsthe amount to the amount due from the learning user in the next billingcycle.

At step 528, in the embodiments occurring in step 524, the fundinginterface generator 420 and a generator in the modular learning system144 generates and displays the updated funding balance and, in someembodiments, the purchase item generated by module 238 to funding user122 and the learning user 102 on the users' user devices 140. Inembodiments occurring in step 526, generator in system 144 generates anddisplays an updated account balance with, optionally, the correspondingpurchase items through an interface to learning user 102 on user 102'suser device 140 while the fund balance is not updated by thecorresponding interface generators of the learning user 102 and fundinguser 122 on the modular learning system 144.

Although the method for managing funding transactions in a modularlearning system environment is described as being composed of varioussteps, fewer or more steps (e.g., Display Learning User's FundingRequest to Funding User, Receive Predetermined Learning User Preferencesfrom Funding User) may comprise the method, with the present inventionstill falling within the scope of various embodiments.

Computing Machine Architecture

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating modules of an example machinesuitable for use as a modular learning system 144, in which any of theembodiments disclosed herein may be performed, according to oneembodiment. This example machine is able to read instructions from amachine-readable medium and execute them in a processor (or controller).

Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe example form of a computer system 600 within which instructions 624(e.g., software) for causing the machine to perform any one or more ofthe methodologies discussed herein may be executed. In alternativeembodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may beconnected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server machineor a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a web appliance, anetwork router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executinginstructions 624 (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to betaken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute instructions624 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 600 includes a processor 602 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), adigital signal processor (DSP), one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), one or more radio-frequency integratedcircuits (RFICs), or any combination of these), a main memory 604, and astatic memory 606, which are configured to communicate with each othervia a bus 608. The computer system 600 may further include a graphicsdisplay unit 610 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computersystem 600 may also include alphanumeric input device 612 (e.g., akeyboard), a cursor control device 614 (e.g., a mouse, a trackball, ajoystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit616, a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker), and a networkinterface device 620, which also are configured to communicate via thebus 608.

The storage unit 616 includes a machine readable medium 622 on which isstored instructions 624 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more ofthe methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 624(e.g., software) may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 604 or within the processor 602 (e.g., within aprocessor's cache memory) during execution thereof by the computersystem 600, the main memory 604 and the processor 602 also constitutingmachine-readable media. The instructions 624 (e.g., software) may betransmitted or received over a network 142 via the network interfacedevice 620.

While machine readable medium 622 is shown in an example embodiment tobe a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be takento include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to storeinstructions (e.g., instructions 624). The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring instructions (e.g., instructions 624) for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein. The term “machine-readable medium”includes, but not be limited to, data repositories in the form ofsolid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

The modular learning system 144 may be one or more servers in which oneor more methods disclosed herein are performed. The processor 602 may bea microprocessor, a state machine, an application specific integratedcircuit, a field programmable gate array, etc. (e.g., Intel® Pentium®processor). The main memory 604 may be a dynamic random access memoryand/or a primary memory of the modular learning system 144. The staticmemory 606 may be a hard drive, a flash drive, and/or other memoryinformation associated with the modular learning system 144.

The bus 608 may be an interconnection between various circuits and/orstructures of the modular learning system 144. The video display 610 mayprovide graphical representation of information on the modular learningsystem 144. The alphanumeric input device 612 may be a keypad, keyboardand/or any other input device. The cursor control device 614 may be apointing device such as a mouse.

The storage unit 616 may be a hard drive, a storage system, and/or otherlonger term storage subsystem. The signal generation device 618 may be abios and/or a functional operating system of the modular learning system144. The network interface device 620 may be a device that may performinterface functions such as code conversion, protocol conversion and/orbuffering required for communication to and from a network (e.g., thenetwork 142 of FIG. 1). The machine readable medium 622 may provideinstructions 624 on which any of the methods disclosed herein may beperformed. The instructions 624 may provide source code and/or data codeto the processor 602 to enable any one/or more operations disclosedherein. For example, the modular learning system 144 may be stored inthe form of instructions 624 on a storage medium such as the main memory604 and/or the machine readable medium 622 such as compact disk.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving a program executable by a computing device (e.g., the modularlearning system 144) causes the computing device to perform method stepsillustrated in FIG. 5.

Additional Configuration Considerations

Using the funding methods described herein, funding users can directfunds to learners and various learning providers dynamically and at agranular level. The funding system allows funders to seek out andidentify particular learners who meet criteria and select learners forfunding. In addition, the funding is provided with particularizedrestrictions such as funding duration and transaction limits to ensurelearners use funds in a responsible way and in a way that can encouragelong-term learning. In one embodiment, the learning user is required todemonstrate adequate progress before the learning user may receivefurther funding. In another embodiment, the learning user is providedperformance benchmarks demonstrating expected progress of the learninguser to maintain funding from the funding user. In another embodiment,the funding user designates funding for the learning user that isavailable for use by the learning user only after the learning userachieves particular milestones, such as learning application performanceat a particular level or the completion of a group or certain number oflearning applications. For example, a local trade business council mayhave a funding role and may seek to increase the number of trainedmachine operators in order to ensure adequate supply of skilledmachinists for employers at a local industrial park. The funding user,here the local trade counsel, can fund applications with appropriateonline, facility, and tutor resources. The local business council canestablish benchmarks evaluating whether a threshold number of learnersis enrolling and adequately meeting threshold performance levels at eachmilestone. The benchmarks and funding can be automated to removefriction in the funding process and can be structured as so that thelearning system provides an impartial basis for determining whetherfunding should continue.

Thus, the advantages of the funding system allows funding users toprovide funding to learning users in the modular learning system withoutrequiring the funding users to identify learning users in advance ofproviding funding. In addition, the funding users can maintainrestrictions on funds such that funds are only used to acceptablelearning applications and may be used based on the user's performance.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement modules,operations, or structures described as a single instance. Althoughindividual operations of one or more methods are illustrated anddescribed as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate modules in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or module. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single module may beimplemented as separate modules. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Certain embodiments are described herein as including functionalityimplemented in computing logic or a number of modules, modules, ormechanisms, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. Modulesmay constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on amachine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or hardwaremodules. A hardware module is tangible unit capable of performingcertain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certainmanner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., astandalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardwaremodules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group ofprocessors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application orapplication portion) as a hardware module that operates to performcertain operations as described herein.

In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module maycomprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured(e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gatearray (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) toperform certain operations. A hardware module may also compriseprogrammable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within ageneral-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that istemporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. Itwill be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware modulemechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or intemporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may bedriven by cost and time considerations.

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors, e.g.,processor 602, that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) orpermanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whethertemporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constituteprocessor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or moreoperations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in someexample embodiments, comprise processor-implemented modules.

The one or more processors may also operate to support performance ofthe relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a“software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of theoperations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples ofmachines including processors), these operations being accessible via anetwork (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces(e.g., application program interfaces (APIs).)

In another embodiment, the microlearning purchase and performanceinterface provided by the modular learning system 144 can be accessedover a local area network, intranet or virtual private networkaccessible to a limited plurality of user devices at a preschool,school, college, university, educational board, professional standardsauthority, coaching class, a company, HR department, training departmentor at a training organization through a user device.

In another embodiment, the microlearning purchase and performanceinterface provided by the modular learning system 144 can be accessedover a wide area network, General Packet Radio Service network, anEnhanced Data for Global Evolution network, a 3G telecommunicationsnetwork, a 4G LTE telecommunications network or other telecommunicationsnetwork through a user device.

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine,but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments,the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may belocated in a single geographic location (e.g., within a homeenvironment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other exampleembodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modulesmay be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

Some portions of this specification are presented in terms of algorithmsor symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits orbinary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computermemory). These algorithms or symbolic representations are examples oftechniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing artsto convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Asused herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consistent sequence of operationsor similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context,algorithms and operations involve physical manipulation of physicalquantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take theform of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of beingstored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwisemanipulated by a machine. It is convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as“data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,”“characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words,however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated withappropriate physical quantities.

Although the present embodiments have been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.For example, the various devices, modules, databases, etc. describedherein may be enabled and operated using hardware circuitry (e.g.,complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) based logic circuitry),firmware, software and/or any combination of hardware, firmware, and/orsoftware (e.g., embodied in a machine readable medium).

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using wordssuch as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,”“presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions orprocesses of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transformsdata represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical)quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory,non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or othermachine modules that receive, store, transmit, or display information.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and“connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodimentsmay be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or moreelements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term“coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not indirect contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interactwith each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand modules of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the invention. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

According to the embodiments described in FIG. 1 through 5, variousmethods and electric structures may be embodied using transistors, logicgates, and electrical circuits (e.g., Application Specific IntegratedCircuitry and/or in Digital Signal Processor circuitry). For example,the purchase management module 238, performance management module 240and other modules of FIGS. 1 to 5 may be enabled using a purchasemanagement circuit, a performance management circuit, and other circuitsusing one or more of the technologies described herein. In addition, itwill be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methodsdisclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or amachine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system(e.g., a server) and may be performed in any order. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciatestill additional alternative structural and functional designs for asystem and a process for managing the purchase and performance oflearning applications and associated application services in amicrolearning stack through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, whileparticular embodiments and applications have been illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are notlimited to the precise construction and modules disclosed herein.Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent tothose skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation anddetails of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

1. A computer-implemented method for managing funding transactions in amodular learning system, the method comprising: receiving a fundingrequest from a user device operated by a funding user; providing fordisplay, on the user device, a funding preferences interface to thefunding user; receiving funding preferences from the user device;accessing a learning user database, each learning user associated withidentity information; selecting the learning user for funding whoseidentity information is described by funding preferences; receiving fundspending limits for a funded learning user; receiving a request forpurchasing a learning service from a user device operated by the fundedlearning user; responsive to a determination the request for purchasingthe learning service after determining compatibility with the fundingpreferences, processing a transaction for the learning service purchase,and updating a funding balance of the funding user based on thetransaction.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thestep of selecting the learning user for funding comprises providing adescription of a set of learning users whose identity information isdescribed by the funding preferences to the funding user via the userdevice and receiving a selection of learning user by the funding user.3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the descriptionof the set of learning users is determined based on privacy informationassociated with the learning user and privacy information anonymizeslearning user information and includes performance information of atleast one learning application associated with the learning user. 4.(canceled)
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thefunding preferences describes: a plurality of learning users; a learningapplication to be funded by the funding user; a language for funding; alocation for funding, and a topic for funding. 6-9. (canceled)
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the fund spending limitsdesignate a transaction limit for individual intervals of time.
 11. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium having tangibly embodiedthereon a program of instructions executable by a processor for managingfunding transactions in a modular learning system, instructionscomprising the steps of: receiving a funding request from a user deviceoperated by a funding user; providing for display, on the user device, afunding preferences interface to the funding user; receiving fundingpreferences from the user device; accessing a learning user database,each learning user associated with identity information; selecting thelearning user for funding whose identity information is described byfunding preferences; receiving fund spending limits for a fundedlearning user; receiving a request for purchasing a learning servicefrom a user device operated by the funded learning user; purchasing thelearning service after determining compatibility with the fundingpreferences; processing a transaction for the learning service purchase;and updating a funding balance of the funding user based on thetransaction.
 12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11,wherein the step of selecting the learning user for funding comprisesproviding a description of a set of the learning user whose identityinformation is described by the funding preferences to the funding uservia the user device and receiving a selection of the learning user bythe funding user.
 13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12,wherein description of set of learning users is determined based onprivacy information associated with the learning user and privacyinformation anonymizes learning user information and includesperformance information of at least one learning application associatedwith the learning user.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The computer-readable storagemedium of claim 11, wherein the funding preferences describe a pluralityof learning users; a learning application to be funded by the fundinguser; a language for funding; a location for funding, and a topic forfunding. 16-19. (canceled)
 20. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 11, wherein the fund spending limits designate a transaction limitfor individual intervals of time.
 21. An apparatus comprising: a networkinterface; a processor coupled to the network interface; a memorycoupled to the processor, wherein the memory includes instructions forexecution on the processor, the instructions causing the processor toexecute the steps of: receiving a funding request from a user deviceoperated by a funding user; providing for display, on the user device, afunding preferences interface to the funding user; receiving fundingpreferences from the user device; accessing a learning user database,each learning user associated with identity information; selecting thelearning user for funding whose identity information is described byfunding preferences; receiving fund spending limits for a fundedlearning user; receiving a request for purchasing a learning servicefrom a user device operated by the funded learning user; and purchasingthe learning service after determining compatibility with the fundingpreferences, processing a transaction for the learning service purchase,and updating a funding balance of the funding user based on thetransaction.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the step ofselecting the learning user for funding comprises providing adescription of a set of learning users whose identity information isdescribed by the funding preferences to the funding user via the userdevice and receiving a selection of the learning user by the fundinguser.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the description of set oflearning user is determined based on privacy information associated withthe learning user and privacy information anonymizes learning userinformation and includes performance information of at least onelearning application associated with the learning user.
 24. (canceled)25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the funding preferences describea plurality of learning users; a learning application to be funded bythe funding user a language for funding; a location for funding, and atopic for funding. 26-29. (canceled)
 30. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein the fund spending limits designate a transaction limit forindividual intervals of time.